The Russell 2000 had a phenomenal Friday as rate-cut expectations were brought forward to March. Futures traders now expect five cuts next year – unlikely unless the US economy craters, in which case small-caps will take the brunt of the … Continued
Both large- and small-caps have failed to meaningfully build on their recent breakout. They were stopped at important spot and now risk breakout retest. From last October’s low to the July 27th high of 4607, the S&P 500 shot up … Continued
The two-day FOMC meeting ends today. Unlike calls from some major brokers not to raise, the policy-setting body in all probability will hike by 25 basis points to a range of 475 basis points to 500 basis points. More importantly, … Continued
It is an FOMC week this week. Fed funds futures expect the one-year tightening cycle to terminate with a 25-basis-point hike this time; by June, the Fed is already expected to ease, with 2023 ending at 3.68 percent and 2024 … Continued
Last Thursday, bulls used initial weakness in major equity indices owed to 4Q22 productivity report as an opportunity to buy. Friday, they bought more. More gains are likely ahead. Fed funds futures are very volatile. Traders are actively reacting real … Continued
The federal government is up to the gills in debt. Interest payments run up in the billions every year. This was not much of an issue in a low-interest-rate environment. But right now, the Federal Reserve is tightening. Higher rates … Continued
At least a section of markets is behaving as if July’s job gains is sustainable, and the US economy is not on the verge of falling apart. The Russell 2000 has scored some technical wins, but the S&P 500 and … Continued
Following futures positions of non-commercials are as of January 4, 2022. 10-year note: Currently net short 276.9k, up 63.6k. The December 14-15 FOMC minutes, out Wednesday, revealed that the Fed was more determined to snatch the punch bowl away from … Continued
The Russell 2000 has been going back and forth within a rectangle for a while now. Selling the rip and buying the dip within this box has worked. Once again, the index is at/near support. Traders continue to sell the … Continued
This market wants to rally. Plain and simple. In a seasonally favorable period, Friday’s red-hot CPI report was embraced by equity bulls. The S&P 500 is itching to break out. If Powell on Wednesday sounds more hawkish that currently priced … Continued